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Yamaha XS1100 Vs Kawasaki KZ1000 - Specs, Sound, Acceleration - 1980's Musclebike Comparison!
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- čas přidán 14. 07. 2023
- I've got another fun back-to-back classic bike comparison for you! This time it's Yamaha's 1980 XS1100 Special Vs Kawasaki's 1981 KZ1000 CSR. With big, air-cooled, 8-valve, 4-cylinder motors, 5-speed transmissions, and triple disc brakes, these bikes are similar on paper. But their character couldn't be more different out on the road. What are these two classic big-bore brutes like to ride out on the road? Let's find out together!
Hey Jon. Great video. I have a 1979 Yamaha XS1100 F Standard model with the larger fuel tank. I bought it new and it is still in great condition. never down, no dents or damage. I have had several bikes through the years, Hondas, Kawaskies and other Yamahas, but this is my favorite of all. Also have a 1980 Yamaha XS850 Special that I also bought brand new, never down, no damage. Yes I have had these bikes for well over 40 years. I am probably done riding as I am 75, but I still like to look at the bikes in my garage. I live in Minnesota but I still start them up about once a month just to keep them fresh. It was so much fun watching you ride and commenting on the two bikes. You did a great job and I really enjoyed your video.
It sounds like you've got two great Yamahas in the garage! Thanks for the feedback on the videos. I'm glad you're enjoying them! Cheers
The 81 XS1100 Special was my first streetbike. I bought it used and fully dressed with a complete Vetter fairing, hard cases and trunk. The beauty of the bike was covered up somewhat, but it was an awesome bike to tour around Colorado and New Mexico while stationed there. I would be very happy and proud to own another.
Eric in NC
Right on, Eric! If I decide to sell this one, I'll post a video listing it. Cheers
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 browsing your channel, you have some great looking bikes and content that I'm interested in seeing.
**currently rediscovering my "roots" of riding with some gentle country blacktop and dirt exploration on a 22KLR 650...and have an 03 Honda VTX1800C.
Eric in NC
@@user-sh5dy5tr9d Right on! Those are two nice bikes you have Eric!
Proper reviews by a real rider. Most excellent.
Thank you!
I have a 1980 Yamaha XS1100 G. I bought it brand new and have ridden it yearly for the past 44 years. The bike is a lot of fun to ride and the engine and transmission are bulletproof.
@@themister3865 Right on!
Another great video as always. Back in the 1980s I first owned a 1980 LTD 1000 and later a 1978 LTD 1000 which were both great bikes and wish I still had one today.
Thank you! I need to finish up my 1978 LTD 1000 this summer. The 1981 and 1978 are completely different bikes and share no components. They feel really different from the saddle as well.
Good comparison. I have a number of XS-11's 1978 Standard, 1979 Special (2), 1980 Standard, 1981 Voyager. They are smooth running and reliable. When I did ride cross country in 2011, I took my 1995 Road King, first year it had fuel injection. Seventy three day trip, 12,082 miles, solo.
Thanks, John! That sounds like an epic trip!
Air-cooled motors just sound better, they sound alive; the way a motorcycle should.
I completely agree!
I have to strongly recommend this channel, superb content and they actually read the comments, the bigger channels don't even care
Thanks Aiden! It is a time commitment to do but still manageable at this point. Cheers!
Can't go wrong with either bike especially on the beautiful roads you're riding. Reminds me so much of the Connecticut River Valley I love. I'm an expat now and a new subscriber. Great video!
Thanks, Tom!
nice comparison, both fine bikes that reveal the nature of their designers intent.not surprised the yamaha is more comfortable over time considering the touring abilities of the non "special" models of the xs1100. & the "sporty" feel of the kawasaki.nice job jon.we appreciate your hard work & honesty.
Thank you!
Such cool machines, the "sporty" came about with the XJ1100 MAXIM model but it's still a comfortable bike to ride long distances.
I’m so in love with my Yamaha xs1100 1980 it’s soooo fun to ride and I can do 5 hours on it and not be tired at all , for me it’s got plenty of power and stops well it is definitely a touring bike and yes the shifter does require sharp gear changes I’ve had it up to 120mph and it’s smooth even that quick . They are so overlooked and it breaks my heart when I see people mode the hell out of it cause it’s sooo pretty as is !
Right on!
Hey Jon, that scene starting at 7:27 when you're accelerating on the XS11 is AWESOME!! I watched it over and over. That's my bike, and I know the feeling well. Thanks.
Right on, Steve! Still puts a big grin on my face every time. Cheers!
Hey thanks for the video i always enjoy old musclebikes. I had a79 xs1100 standard and still have my 81xs eleven special. With a decent tune these bikes far exceed the specs 😊
Right on! I recently went one size up on my pilot and main jets on this Yamaha XS1100, and it tied for the quickest classic 1100 I've tested at 7.9 seconds in the 40-80 mph top-gear roll-on test. Cheers!
I had the 1980 Vision tour rig, Windjammer, protected hard bags, luggage rack, and adjustable back rest. Also a cruise control on the grip. It was a rocketship. So smooth, you don't notice the speedo is buried in first gear, wound tight. I would race guys on sportbikes (squids?) and destroy them, by third gear. Pulled like a locomotive. In your cool test, I looked at the speedo vs. the tach; Yep. that's an XS1100. It was so stable, I could set the cruise, and lay down on the tank, seat at about eighty. Use to do that when I passed a bunch of Harleys. Really pissed them off. Ha.
Right on, Matt! The XS1100 still deserves respect. Fast and smooth. Thanks for sharing the memories! Cheers
Thanks very informative I just bought 83 kw csr 1000 an I’m excited to ride
Right on!
I run a 1991 Kawasaki Voyager xii. Bikes from this era have so much charisma. Wouldn't swap mine for any modern bike. Would love a Z1000LTD to go with her...
Right on! I'm working on a 1978 KZ1000 LTD project currently. Gotta love the classics!
2 very nice rides to own. Enjoyed the video Jon and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Thanks Henry!
I always wanted either a Kawasaki Z1900 or the Z1R1000. Never had a chance to ride either one but had a few friends that had them and I just loved the look of those bikes. However, in today's world they are so expensive to buy if you find ones that are in good condition. The XS1100 is still a pretty good deal and you can still find clean examples that are priced right. I currently own 2 1978 XS1100E, 1 1980 XS1100SG, 1 1981 XS11SH, 1 1980 XS1100LG and just recently acquired a near museum level 1981 XS1100LH Midnight Special. The only other Midnight I've seen in this good of shape is the one at the Barber Museum in Alabama. It is so nice I'm a little terrified to ride it for fear something will happen to it. Your XS1100SG looks like a really nice bike. I'm curious where you got the front rotors because they aren't original? None of these XS1100s are my daily riders but I just have a weird passion for them. I was working for Yamaha in 1978 when these were new and the first time I saw the Midnight Special I wanted one so bad. However, I was still a teenager at the time and the insurance for an 1100 in Colorado at the time was about 4 times the cost of the 750 and so it wasn't affordable for a teenager. Finally got the Midnight special I wanted but it took 43 years to get it.
So cool! The rotors are EBC rotors which are floating rotors . They're a huge step up in safety/performance. The originals on mine were badly warped and needed replaced. Enjoy your XSs!
That Kaw blood is in
my veins, had a 80
1000 G, The Classic.
I got spoiled on her.
Right on, Mike!
Good video, I never rode a Yamaha XS 1100 but I have a 82 Kz 1000 and I agree with it being a bit crampy because I always wanted to slide back after a long ride.
Thanks! I just wish the Kawasaki had a flatter, firmer seat so I could change position. It really limits the time I want to spend on it. Cheers!
Great Video, thank you. I will mention that Kawasaki did make a shaft drive KZ1000. I own a 1980 KZ1000 Shaft drive with meg wheels. It would give you a much more accurate comparison between the 2. I was always a Yamaha guy, my last bike before purchasing this was an R1. Personally, I haven't found another bike that beats this KZ1000. That old school feel, stance and sound just does it for me. Again, thank you for making this video.
I did a comparison of my XS1100 and my KZ1000 Shaft as well:
czcams.com/video/pcKm84PyCxs/video.htmlsi=w3vh9RI4LvpWEqMD
The YAMAHA looks way better but, ohhhh, that KAWASAKI sound! Great comparison, fun to watch. You covered all the important aspects as a experienced rider that you are. Thank you Jon! 👍
Right on, thanks for the feedback!
I generally like the Kawasaki for looks, and for performance, but it seems like it wouldn't be a good bike to take on trips - even if were just a couple hours out, and a couple hours back.
My first road bike was a 1972 yamaha xs 650 great bike ,my next was 1974 H2 750 triple the widow maker and then my kz1000 z1r .Kawasaki lets the good times roll .Never liked the shaft drive .And the Kawasaki sounds Amazing with the 4into 1 Kerker .😊
You've had some great bikes! The Z1R is a beautiful machine, and the triple is legend at this point. I'm working on a 1978 KZ1000, and it does sound great with a Kerker! Cheers
The XS11, with those stock pipes,,,, wow, so nice and quiet. When you ride long hours, or lots of miles, those loud pipes on the Kawi, wears you down.
True. I have the stock Kawasaki pipes in excellent condition. Somehow, they didn't fit the sporty nature of the Kawasaki. It now sounds like the ripper it is.
Thank you!
You're welcome!
I would love to land an XS1100 someday, especially the Midnight edition. That's a really handsome machine. I agree totally at the smoothness of the engine and how the transmission likes a good sharp engagement that sort of does a clunk into gear. I haven't been blessed with the opportunity to ride an XS but I do own the similar engined XJ1100J MAXIM which is a slick motorcycle. I've had one for a good long while and it's sadly been down for a good long while also with fuel tank dent removal in order and the left front caliper(front brake) has absolutely locked up on me despite numerous caliper rebuilds. So the next order of business on that front is going to steel braided lines. I'm ecstatic to report I'm buying another XJ1100J that's practically pristine from what I've seen and had to put a down payment on it to have it held for me before I can make the long drive out to lay eyes on it. I'm fortunate for sure as these bikes aren't readily available and certainly not in the shape this one is.
Nice! You may need a rear master cylinder rebuild kit if the left caliper keeps locking up. If you can push the piston in by hand, then it isn't the caliper. The Maxim has the linked brakes. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 the left caliper is the front brake lever actuated caliper, the rear linked is the right caliper.
@@RollingRigTraction Sorry for that. I would rebuild the front master cylinder then. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I was planning to do a full update to new steel braided lines and if I can still source all the rebuild kits I'll do everything and do a full system flush. I'll need to start loading up on parts for the soon to be 3 XJ's.
@@RollingRigTraction That's a great idea!
I have both those bikes (my Yam is the 80 Midnight special) I call my CSR the hooligan and my MNS the couch. 😂
Right on! That about sums it up. But, the Yamaha is a fast couch!
I still like to purchase that Kawasaki CSR kZ1000
It's a fun bike for sure!
That Yamaha is a class act !
Right on!
I'm happy my yamaha isn't the only one that feels rough shifting sometimes. I thought it was just me.
Nope, it's not just you. As I am riding this one more, the transmission is shifting better. It could be that I'm just getting used to it. But if I pick up the pace up through the gears, I notice it more.
Yamaha xs 11 chulada la convertí a café racer , es una locura...
Keep up the great work!
Thanks!
If you added a 4 into 1 and adjusted the carbs for same it would really wake up the xs. I had one with a RC header. The style with no fiberglass etc. Just a metal tube with vents. Rejetting carbs etc and it was way better. It would eat the Kawa alive with the same set up in this video
Good point, David. The Yamaha XS1100 does great already in straight line speed, and it would respond well to a pipe and jet kit. The weight, the heavy handling in the corners, and the lack of braking feel (even with the upgrades I've done) means that it's just more comfortable riding at a more touring oriented pace. This also allows one to enjoy the comfort and smoothness of the Yamaha. The XS1100 Special was based on a fast touring bike. The KZ1000 CSR was based on a sportbike. Cheers!
Back at that time the economy had just gone into recession. The industry had just come off a couple of really good years, and all the manufacturers had surplus inventory, and the Japanese brands were basically dumping their excess industry in the North American market. That's what led to the tariff in 1983. The CSR was a lower cost bike from Kawasaki, intended to help them move inventory. At the time the spoked wheels were a cost-cutting measure. There is a fellow in my area that has a Midnight Special version of the Yamaha XS1100. It really does look quite nice, and in the photos it looks to be in good cosmetic condition. I'm tempted, but then I don't really want to be a motorcycle collector.
I'm not sure how much Kawasaki saved on the wheels, but it can't be that much. Otherwise it isn't significantly different than the LTD. You're certainly correct about the glut of new cycles in the early 1980's. In 1983 Suzuki was running adds for it's new bikes and the entire 1982 lineup! I don't understand the last sentence... it's not about being a collector, it's about being a rider with options. Cheers!😁
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Back then cast wheels were a bigger deal than they are now, but even if they didn't save any money, it's a marketing thing. If you're going to offer something at a reduced price, you have to do something so that it will be be perceived as less valuable, otherwise, nobody will buy the full price item.
Dad had Yamaha 850
Right on! I would still like to ride one of those. Cheers!
I have a 79 with 9000.miles.very Nice.xs1100specal need to tlc.
Right on!
Love them both, but i would have to go with the Yamaha
Right on!
Thank you my friend
Superb bikes,both
For sure!
When you put the normal bars on these old cruiser bikes do you have to shorten the cables?
Sometimes I do. Sometimes, it is just a matter of rerouting.
I had a spectre 1100 Kawasaki, probably would have been a better comparison to the Yamaha due to it being shaft drive as well.
Having ridden an XS1100SE I'd definitely go with the Kawasaki, tighter altogether, I found the Yamaha too slow steering and harder to push into turns.
That being said I live in Europe so less wide open spaces..
The Yamaha XS1100 Special came out in 1979 so the 1st generation KZ1000 LTD or the 1979 KZ1000 Shaft would be the best comparisons. I have a 1978 KZ1000 LTD and a Kawasaki KZ1000 Shaft as well. The XS1100 is much more powerful, it's smoother, it rides nicer, and it handles about the same as either 1979 KZ1000. The later Spectre 1100 is a good bike that shares much in common with the CSR/LTD 1000. The results of the comparison with the Spectre would be essentially the same as the result of this review. Cheers!
Jon. The XS wouldnt be for sale would it? Doesnt hurt to ask. She was my first real street bike back in the 80s
I might let it go for the right price. Contact me at: jonsmotorcycle@hotmail.com
If you're seriously interested.
My uncle had both of these bikes, What they haven't common with the Legendary maga. 2 gear blues Like marrying the prom Queen, That no longer fits through the door.😖
Yep, most of the performance bikes from the late 1970's through 1990's could eat 2nd gear if ridden too hard. Cheers!
YES: The "Torque Monster" is the HOT ROD, from 2,500 RPM's up,,,,,,to redline..
Right on!
FYI, You drive Cars, you ride bikes!
😉
Kawasaki did make shaft drive kz1000 back then
They made the KZ1000 Shaft in 1979. I have one. But they didn't make a shaft-drive cruiser until the later 1100cc Spectre. Cheers!
isnt the shaft drive Yammy an XJ not an XS?
Good question! The XS1100 was shaft drive in all its forms from 1978-1981. Yamaha changed the designations to XJ1100 in 1982, I believe.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 worked on a few (chain drive XS) back mid 90's. They tear up 2nd gear with the torque they made. I could make one quite fast.
@@mrgimpie I think you're referring to the FJ1100. The XS1100 and XJ1100 were only available in shaft drive. But all 1100cc Yamaha bikes of that era could munch 2nd if abused.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 ty youre absolutly right.
Hi John don’t you have speed limits in your State!
We do - but still plenty of countryside to open the bikes up safely. I won't ride in the city, though.
Speaking of fatigue, not having to adjust, maintain, or replace chain drive components makes the XS 11 an easier bike overall.
Very true.